Remember Fr. Shea

The community of St. Columba Church this week is mourning the death last week of their pastor, Father James Shea, following a brief illness.

Fr. Shea came to the priesthood in his late 30s, after serving in the Coast Guard. Before arriving in Paxton, he'd learned Spanish in Puerto Rico to better serve urban parishes, and also served as the chaplain for the Worcester Police Department and the Massachusetts State Police. One can speculate that his varied life experience further deepened the sense of mission that he brought to the vocation.

Fr. Shea replaced longtime pastor Fr. John Thomas three years ago, and his parishioners responded to his charisma.

The loss of a religious leader is a difficult blow for a community, even to those outside the faith. A pastor is a symbol of stability, caring and spiritual calm in uncertain times - a leader and a shepherd.

In three short years, Fr. Shea assumed those mantles with grace and good humor. As those who came to his church every Sunday will tell you, his time in Paxton was too brief.